Informing people

THE FUNCTION

The spot revolves around the concept of catching rain in a neighbourhood, creating a cascading effect. By using a variety of objects ranging from umbrellas to helmets and boots – anything that the people can lay their hands on, the spot brings out a strong mix of emotions that form the basis of a community. Speaking at the function Das said,"Rainwater harvesting (RWH) must capture people’s imagination for it to work". Sunita Narain director, CSE underlined that"RWH has become an excuse for money harvesting. This is why it is necessary to take the message to the people directly, so that they can understand both its potential and practice".

Keeping this objective in mind, CSE introduced its new website, which provides plenty of information for both experts and interested people. The entire site is divided into six major sections: crisis, conflict, solution, technology (rural and urban), people and policy. It is a user friendly site, providing a unique opportunity for the surfer to directly interact with CSE’s water experts and to get their queries answered. The people’s section is inspirational. It carries profile of known as well as unknown individuals, who are doing commendable water works. Dealing with a plethora of issues, the website highlights the traditional and contemporary water harvesting practices and technologies. Explore it!

Flooded!
CSE’s commercial is being aired by premier national channels, free of cost. And, the response from the people is overwhelming. Some of these responses are given below.

"We are constructing a house in the outskirts of Hyderabad. There are only 50 houses near to our site. But the bores are drying up. I would like to know how to conserve water and see this problem does not get severe."

P Raghavendra Reddy, Hyderabad
raghava_palwai@rediffmail.com

"I have seen your advertisement on cable TV, and would like to know more about rainwater harvesting."

Parwez Nazir, Patna
"Can CSE guide me on how to use waste water effectively in my office."

Raghav, Secunderabad
raghav_53534@yahoo.com

"Ours is an NGO — Jabalpur Nature Society — working for wildlife conservation in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Looking at the present water crisis, we plan to begin a mobile information centre to spread water literacy. Can CSE help us?"

Navneet Maheshwari, Jabalpur
navneet1@rediffmail.com

"Does the government of Delhi provide any support for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems by a group of houses?"

Pankaj Rastogi, Delhi
pankaj_rastogi@hotmail.com

"We are farmers from the western coastal Maharashtra and facing the problem of depleting water tables and salinity. Can CSE help us?"

Sanjay Patil, Maharashtra